Ticket Prices
Member Early-Bird Rates (Available Oct 1 - 31)
Peak: Adult – $17, Child (2-17) – $10
Standard: Adult – $12, Child (2-17) – $7
Member Tickets (Starting Nov 1)
Peak: Adult – $19, Child (2-17) – $11
Standard: Adult – $14, Child (2-17) – $8
Guest Tickets (Starting Oct 1)
Peak: Adult – $24, Child (2-17) – $16
Standard: Adult – $19, Child (2-17) – $13
ComEd Ticket Discount
All ComEd discount tickets have been reserved. No additional discount tickets will be available through this program.
AnyDay Tickets For Members – SOLD OUT
AnyDay tickets are now sold out; no additional AnyDay tickets will be added. Members can still purchase Illumination tickets for a specific date and time by following the ‘Member Tickets’ link on this page.
PLEASE NOTE: If you purchased AnyDay tickets, one date will be indicated on the ticket but they are valid for any Illumination date.
Museums for All
There will be a limited number of weeknights (Monday through Thursday) available at a reduced rate to guests with a state-issued EBT card (also known as a LINK card) or a valid WIC card, through the Museums for All program. Tickets can be purchased online using the link below or in person at the Arboretum, as long as the date is not sold out. When purchasing on-site, purchasers are required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to receive the discounted rate. When purchasing online, purchasers will receive an email confirmation and will be required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to pick up their tickets the night of the event.
This Illumination-specific discount is an extension of the popular Museums for All program, a partnership between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), which has allowed more than 3,600 under-served individuals to visit the Arboretum since 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my AnyDay ticket include a date?
AnyDay tickets will have one date indicated, but they are valid for any Illumination date.
Are there any Illumination ticket discounts available?
Morton Arboretum members always receive a discount.
A limited number of weeknight tickets (Monday through Thursday) are available at a reduced rate to guests with a state-issued EBT card (also known as a LINK card) or a valid WIC card, through the Museums for All program. Tickets can be purchased online using the link below or in person at the Arboretum, as long as the date is not sold out. When purchasing on-site, purchasers are required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to receive the discounted rate. When purchasing online, purchasers will receive an email confirmation and will be required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to pick up their tickets the night of the event.
This Illumination-specific discount is an extension of the popular Museums for All program, a partnership between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), which has allowed more than 3,600 under-served individuals to visit the Arboretum since 2016.
All ComEd discount tickets have been reserved.
I want to change my tickets. What is the refund and exchange policy?
Illumination ticket purchases are non-refundable. However, guests may be able to exchange tickets in advance for a fee of $5 per transaction, depending upon event capacity and at the discretion of the Arboretum. Same-day exchanges cannot be accommodated. If the Arboretum cancels a night of Illumination (in whole or part), we will accommodate ticket holders according to the cancellation policy.
Can I get passes or tickets for an Arboretum day visit and Illumination tickets in the same transaction?
Event tickets may always be added to general admission reservations, however, we encourage you to purchase Illumination tickets in a separate transaction, if possible, to ensure that the scan codes are kept separate.
Can I walk/snowshoe at the Arboretum during the day on Illumination dates?
On days with four or more inches of snow, we invite you to snowshoe or cross-country ski at the Arboretum during our usual daylight hours. During Illumination, the East side of the Arboretum will close at 3:00 p.m. to prepare for Illumination opening each evening at 4:30 p.m. Rentals must be returned by 3:00 p.m. However, those with their own snowshoes or skis may enjoy the many trails on the West side of the Arboretum until sunset.
If Illumination is canceled due to weather, can I get a refund?
Because Illumination is an outdoor event in winter, on very rare occasions the Arboretum may cancel an evening or temporarily close the event until weather passes. Many factors are considered, including predictions from the National Weather Service and other weather services, before making a decision that has an impact on guests. If Illumination is canceled or temporarily closed for part of an evening, ticket holders will be notified via email, and notice will be posted to the Arboretum’s website homepage. We will honor tickets on alternate nights, schedule permitting. For more information, email or call our ticket line at tickets@mortonarb.org or 630-725-2066 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily (except holidays).
If I have tickets and decide not to go to Illumination due to weather conditions, can I get a refund or exchange my tickets for another date?
Ticket holders who make the choice not to attend Illumination based on their personal circumstances may request a ticket exchange, depending on schedule and ticket availability, for a $5 fee. Refunds are not available. For more information, email or call the ticket line tickets@mortonarb.org or 630-725-2066 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily (except holidays).
Can I enter/use the Arboretum before the time on my Illumination ticket?
Illumination ticket holders may enter the Arboretum after 4:30 p.m., but will not be able to access the Illumination trail or Visitor Center until the time listed on their tickets. Due to often cold weather conditions, we encourage ticket holders to arrive as close as possible to the time on their tickets for the best experience.
Is the Illumination trail accessible for those with physical disabilities?
The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved walking path that includes one large incline (Frost Hill) and several smaller inclines and declines. Wheelchairs are available free-of-charge at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis, or guests may bring their own. Personal mobility scooters may be used on the trail. Guests have the option to bypass Frost Hill and skip the large incline during the second half of Illumination by heading back towards the Visitor Center on the tram road.
